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Today, within Brazil's Amazon region, the Belém summit opens ahead of the 30th United Nations climate change conference (Conference of the Parties 30). I have convened world leaders in the days leading up to the conference to ensure collective dedication to acting with the urgency the climate crisis demands.

Should we not progress past rhetoric to tangible steps, public trust will diminish – not just in climate conferences, but in multilateralism along with global diplomacy in general. That is why I have summoned leaders to the Amazon: to make this the “Cop of truth”, the occasion where we prove our collective dedication's gravity to the planet.

Humanity has shown its ability to conquer major obstacles through united efforts and scientific guidance. We protected the ozone layer. Worldwide actions during the Covid-19 crisis proved that the world can act decisively with bravery and governmental determination.

Brazil hosted the Earth Summit in 1992. Agreements on climate, biodiversity, and desertification were endorsed, and adopted principles that defined a fresh model for protecting our planet and our humanity. Over the past 33 years, these gatherings have produced important agreements and goals for cutting emissions – from ending deforestation by 2030 to increasing renewable energy threefold.

More than three decades later, global attention returns to Brazil to address the climate issue. It is no coincidence that Cop30 takes place deep within the Amazon jungle. It offers a chance for leaders, envoys, researchers, campaigners, and reporters to observe the Amazon's actual conditions. We want the world to see the true state of the forests, Earth's biggest river system, and the millions of people who live in the region. Climate conferences must not just display concepts or annual gatherings for negotiators. They must be moments of contact with reality and of effective action to tackle climate change.

To jointly address this emergency, we need resources. And we must recognise that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities remains the non-negotiable foundation for all climate agreements. That is why the global south demands greater access to resources – not out of charity, but justice. Rich countries have benefited the most from the carbon-based economy. They must now rise to their responsibilities, not only by making commitments but by repaying what they owe.

Brazil is doing its part. Within just two years, Amazon deforestation has been cut by half by us, demonstrating that real environmental measures can work.

In Belém, we will launch an innovative initiative to preserve forests: the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF). Its novelty lies in functioning as a financial investment tool, not a donation mechanism. The TFFF will reward those who keep their forests standing and contributors to the fund. A genuine win-win approach for addressing environmental issues. Setting an example, Brazil has announced an investment of $1bn in the TFFF, and we expect equally ambitious announcements from other countries.

We also demonstrated leadership through becoming the second country to present a new nationally determined contribution (NDC). Brazil has vowed to cut its emissions by 59% to 67%, including all emission types and all sectors of the economy. With this mindset, we urge all nations to present equally ambitious NDCs and to implement them effectively.

Shifting energy sources is crucial to meeting Brazil’s NDC. Our energy mix is one of the globe's greenest, with 88% of our electricity coming from renewable sources. We are a leader in biofuels and are progressing in wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

Channeling oil earnings to finance a just, orderly and equitable energy transition is vital. Over time, oil companies worldwide, including Brazil’s Petrobras, will evolve into energy providers, because a growth model based on fossil fuels cannot last.

People must be at the centre of political decisions about climate and the energy transition. It's important to acknowledge that the most vulnerable sectors of our society are the most affected by the impacts of climate change, this is why equitable transition and adjustment strategies must aim to combat inequality.

We cannot forget that two billion individuals have no access to clean technologies and fuels for cooking, and over 673 million face hunger. To address this, we will launch in Belém a statement on hunger, poverty, and climate. Our commitment to fight global warming should be closely tied to the fight against hunger.

It is equally essential that we advance the reform of global governance. Currently, multilateralism suffers from the paralysis of the UN security council. Established to maintain peace, it has failed to prevent wars. It is our duty, therefore to advocate for reforming this body. During Cop30, we will push for establishing a UN climate council linked to the general assembly. It would be a new governance structure with the force and legitimacy to ensure that countries deliver on their promises, and an effective step toward reversing the current paralysis of the multilateral system.

At every climate conference, we hear many promises yet few concrete actions follow. The time for intention statements is over: the moment for implementation plans is here. This is why we commence today the “Cop of truth”.